Tributes have been paid to Frank Tweddle, a long-serving Darlington Football Club volunteer, who has died aged 81.
Former pupils of Mr Tweddle, who taught at a Newton Aycliffe primary school for several years, have also expressed their condolences.
Mr Tweddle was a long-time supporter of Darlington FC and was a regular at the club’s home at Blackwell Meadows.
He spent many years volunteering for the club as statistician, programme contributor and editor and his speciality was writing historical articles.
A statement released by Darlington FC on social media said: “Frank was a typical Darlington fan, who stood by the club through thick and thin, went to Wembley for the play-off finals and the Trophy final, and continued to follow the club when it became fan-owned.
“He was a regular at Blackwell Meadows and went to the occasional away game.”
The statement added: “Everyone at the club would like to pass on their sincere condolences to Frank’s family and friends.”
Mr Tweddle played a major role in the club’s 1983 centenary celebrations, and his writing of ‘The Definitive Darlington FC’, a book of club results, scorers and line-ups, is still considered by many fans as the ‘club bible’.
Tributes have been paid to Frank Tweddle, who wrote a book which many fans still consider to be the ‘club bible. (Image: CRAIG STODDART)
Darlington fans expressed their condolences and memories online.
One said: “He was a statistician extraordinaire and what he didn’t know wasn’t worth knowing!”
Former Darlington defender Kevan Smith, 65, said: “I’m absolutely saddened to hear of my dear friend Frank and his passing.
“I can’t count the amount of times I’ve asked him questions about Darlington and its history and of course my personal stats. Rarely did he not have the answer there and then.
“It’s a very sad day. Never forgotten.”
Mr Tweddle was also a former teacher at Stephenson Way Junior School in Newton Aycliffe.
A spokesperson for the school said: “He was a lovely man, with a great sense of humour. He was a popular member of staff and fondly remembered by his students to this day.
“We would like to send our most sincere condolences to his family. He will be sadly missed by all those whose lives he touched.”
One former pupil said on social media: “Really sad to hear this. Frank was one of my teachers in primary school, he was a great teacher and inspired me to write from an early age.”
Another added: “Can always remember his black thick curly hair and tash. Brilliant schoolteacher and taught me mathematics with unbelievable talent.
“Someone who cared for his pupils at Stephenson Way Junior School. Rip legend.”